Coherence in Action

Education leaders are building coherence into their systems now

As an agency, we want to do better, we want to get better internally so that we can serve better externally.”

MARVA KAY JONES

Assistant Chief of Organizational Effectiveness, Ohio Department of Education

Coherence is being built into systems across the country

From principals to state superintendents, coherence is a growing movement to align priorities and ground systems in equitable ways of thinking and working. Education leaders and the Coherence Lab share their experiences and thoughts on coherence, fragmentation and our evolving education systems.

“We now all have shared language…That makes it easy when we’re trying to communicate in these fast-paced developments around the pandemic”

NOE ORTEGA

Former Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education

Video created in 2021 for the Coherence Lab Fellowship and features fellows from the PA Department of Education.

“In a time of less resources, in a time where we need to make sure our students are getting a really supportive school climate and support, we do need to keep working on coherence.”

KATY ANTHES

Commissioner, Colorado Department of Education

Video created in 2021 for the Coherence Lab Fellowship and features fellows from the CO Department of Education.

“I’m hoping we’ll just achieve this magical thing that will just improve education not only for our district and our state but across the nation.”

LEIGH TODD

Teacher, Myrtle Tate Elementary School, Las Vegas, Nevada

Video created in 2018 for the Coherence Lab Fellowship and features teacher, Leigh Todd.

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Case Study

Louisiana’s early adoption and approach to integrating reforms is a model for other states.

We know right now that we are fragmented. The fragmentation that naturally occurs causes miscommunication, frustration and we aren’t able to reach our goals efficiently and effectively. But what is the prize (of being coherent)? The prize is that we can increase the quality of instruction at the ground level, and that will increase the fulfillment of teachers and the opportunity of our students which will make our communities feel better about themselves and the school. There’s a whole lot at stake with coherence.

JOE GENT

Former Principal of Floyd Elementary School, Nevada

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Examining the impacts of coherence and fragmentation

Building Focus and Coordination in Alabama to Align Literacy Supports

Changing Behavior at Scale in Utah to Expand the Use of Technology in the Classroom

Authentic Engagement Between the State Agency and Students in Connecticut

Building Focus and Coordination in Missouri to Address Teacher Shortages

Cultivating Trusting Relationships in Illinois to Support Student Wellbeing

Coherent Central Systems and Rethinking the Principal Role

Solving complex problems outside of the silo: How the Pennsylvania Department of Education gained the knowledge and tools to run a coherent team

The Root Causes of Fragmentation in Public Education

Using a Coherence Mindset Helped Pennsylvania Respond to COVID-19

Coherence Reshaped the Pennsylvania and Ohio Departments of Education

Share the work of the Coherence Lab with your network!

Here are social media posts that you can copy and paste to share on your Twitter and LinkedIn channels. Feel free to adjust language in ways that best fit your audiences.